21 research outputs found
A review on environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding markers for wildlife monitoring research
Environmental DNA or eDNA utilizes traceable genetic materials in the environment
for monitoring the presence of organisms in a given area and it is now gaining popularity as an
alternative for traditional monitoring methods. Thus, the selection of genetic markers is crucial
for identification of species in wildlife monitoring. This paper aims to review several DNA
markers which are appropriate and reliable for detection of organisms from the environmental
samples. We performed systematic literature search from SCOPUS database to review all
molecular markers of eDNA. This study focuses on the importance of markers selection which
can be utilized by next-generation sequencing (NGS) for biodiversity monitoring. Cytochrome
C oxidase Subunit I (COI) are noted as the most widely used marker in metabarcoding research
for detection of targeted species
Perception of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on various curation and preservation techniques for the development of natural history gallery in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Preserving animal’s body or part of the animals have become an important and wellknown
conservation medium to ensure that the future generations are still able to enjoy the
biodiversity and all the incredible species that live within it. This paper aims to present a
qualitative study on perception and preference of subject matter experts (SMEs) on various
curation and preservation methods that is suitable for certain animals for the development of
Natural History Gallery. Interview with the SMEs were done by using semi-structured
questionnaire and prior to this, permission were gained from the respondents by signing the
Informed Consent Form (ICF). The findings suggest that the preservation methods of specimens
ultimately depend on the purpose of specimens collected, either to be preserved as research
specimens or exhibition specimens. The information gained form this study will be valuable as
directive for the development of natural history gallery in Malaysia
Knowledge priorities on climate change and water in the Upper Indus Basin: a horizon scanning exercise to identify the top 100 research questions in social and natural sciences
River systems originating from the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) are dominated by runoff from snow and glacier melt and summer monsoonal rainfall. These water resources are highly stressed as huge populations of people living in this region depend on them, including for agriculture, domestic use, and energy production. Projections suggest that the UIB region will be affected by considerable (yet poorly quantified) changes to the seasonality and composition of runoff in the future, which are likely to have considerable impacts on these supplies. Given how directly and indirectly communities and ecosystems are dependent on these resources and the growing pressure on them due to ever-increasing demands, the impacts of climate change pose considerable adaptation challenges. The strong linkages between hydroclimate, cryosphere, water resources, and human activities within the UIB suggest that a multi- and inter-disciplinary research approach integrating the social and natural/environmental sciences is critical for successful adaptation to ongoing and future hydrological and climate change. Here we use a horizon scanning technique to identify the Top 100 questions related to the most pressing knowledge gaps and research priorities in social and natural sciences on climate change and water in the UIB. These questions are on the margins of current thinking and investigation and are clustered into 14 themes, covering three overarching topics of ‘governance, policy, and sustainable solutions’, ‘socioeconomic processes and livelihoods’, and ‘integrated Earth System processes’. Raising awareness of these cutting-edge knowledge gaps and opportunities will hopefully encourage researchers, funding bodies, practitioners, and policy makers to address them